Advice

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Advice from WR Staff to Graduates

Story by Opinions Team Graphics by Noor Baber

Senior year. It’s the final year of high school— a busy, sometimes-overwhelming era— marked by piles of homework, reflecting on the previous four years of high school and celebrating graduation. Since senior year is the stepping stone from high school, taking the first steps into adulthood can be stressful for many students.

Even with the stress that adulthood brings, it is important to maintain a flexible lifestyle, a healthy work-life balance, social connections and more beyond high school. For this, it is invaluable to glean helpful tips from people who have already experienced this transition. Fortunately, West Ranch teachers are happy to help by providing advice they wished they knew as college students.

Mr. O’Brien, AP Language and Composition teacher, emphasized setting boundaries with others, especially roommates and other students. He explained, “...[It’s sometimes hard to] get along with your roommate...If you find yourself in a living arrangement with someone and it’s unsatisfactory, confront them. Don’t just stay out of the room. Just say, ‘We’ve got to set up some rules about how we’re going to live with each other, because this is not working.’”

Throughout college, teachers also highlighted the importance of utilizing the resources and opportunities given to students.

“Understand that this time is precious,” West Ranch counselor Ms. Ferry added, “and you have such a source of vast knowledge literally at your fingertips. Sign up for internships, and network. Take advantage of the many once in a lifetime [opportunities]. When in class, actively listen, take notes and engage to get the full benefit. Going to college is the first really big life change that you’re expected to handle largely on your own. Don’t be surprised if you experience some doubt and difficulty. Know you are capable of working incredibly hard.”

Despite the heavy workload that may make college a stressful time, students should also enjoy the experience, and have fun.

AP World History and Modern Civilizations teacher Mr. Holland noted, “Students are going into college, and thinking about majors [and] thinking about work, but [it’s important to] enjoy it. I look back fondly at the friends that I had and the things that we did… And I’ll say this: make good decisions. You know, you’re an adult, and some of the things you may choose to do that probably aren’t the best could have lifelong consequences. So, make good choices, be smart, think about life—you’ve got eighty, ninety years ahead. The choices you make will impact the rest of your life.”

Another important thing to remember is that the journey through college can often be unpredictable, and that nothing is set in stone, and can be changed.

Ms. Ferry explained this major misconception about college, saying, “Your major will determine your career prospects. That may happen, but oftentimes you will take a class that you are passionate about and pivot in a new direction. Feeling totally unsure of your career path and future is okay. The key is to work one day at a time and you’ll get there before you know it.” There is no need to confine yourself to a set standard so early.

“We incredibly overemphasize having a life plan when you are barely able to know who you are,” Mr. O’Brien added. “That is a bad idea. You should embrace the fact that you are a growing, developing human, and you are not a fixed entity… Be proud of that, embrace it and don’t be scared of ‘I guess I’m not the same thing I was yesterday.’”

He said, “Believe it or not, I didn’t set out to be a teacher, but my pathway to it was not direct. You know what my major was before English? Biochemistry. Wouldn’t you say that’s a strange pathway for an English teacher? But I was biochem for two years. So, you don’t know the pathway that’s going to take you to where-I hate to say, ‘where you’re supposed to be,’ but you get what I mean. The thing you’re becoming may take a twisty path.”

Within the classroom, it is crucial to find helpful resources for learning and ask for help from professors and teaching assistants whenever struggling.

“Especially for tests, if your school does it, seek out previous tests that have been published by your professor,” Mr. O’Brien elaborated. “That is an enormous help, and it’s transparent, it’s not cheating if they let you know ‘I have lecture notes online.’ If they tell you resources exist, find them, because it’s a way to get into the professor’s head that might be opaque in their lecture, and know what they are likely to ask and how they think.”

Ms. Ferry advised, “If you ever feel like your classes are too difficult to handle, don’t worry, there is always help out there. Most schools offer a free tutoring service. Also, most professors are more than happy to help you during office hours. Talking with professors helps you feel more comfortable in college and more connected to the campus. It can give you a chance to learn at a more comfortable pace.”

In addition to focusing on academics in college, it is also important to try out non-academic opportunities.

“Get involved and take advantage of what campus life has to offer - try new experiences,” Ms. Ferry expressed. “Don’t be a bystander. There are so many groups and organizations, so do some digging and join a few that make you happy. Align yourself with people who inspire you, drive you and motivate you. Create a community of people who you feel safe, happy and yourself with. Don’t compare yourself to other students. Remember that everyone has unique talents, and you have four years to cultivate yours.”

Mr. O’Brien described, “Eat the fruit of every orchard. Now, you say that and there’s obviously an asterisk behind it…There’s some things that, if you experiment with them, will damage you irreparably. So, I think I’m safe in saying try everything with the knowledge that some things are out of bounds. Other than the obvious red-lines, try things.”

While hardwork and dedication is necessary to succeed in college, it is also absolutely essential to maintain a positive work-life balance and to focus on physical and mental health. Failing to take time to rest and relax will inevitably lead to a student burning out and falling behind, both in academics and social life.

“Make a schedule that works around when you are the most productive and creative,” Ms. Ferry said. “Schedule regular breaks, days off, catch a football game, go out with friends for a walk. Don’t obsess about social media. Accept that you will have bad days. Set boundaries and optimize within them.”

Ms. Ferry left the senior class with this advice: “Every day is a chance to change and make things right, a chance to take action steps toward the person who you want to be and know you can become. Never underestimate your ability to keep the best pieces of you and to change anything that does not serve you or others. Keep a healthy lifestyle, eat enough fruits and veggies, drink enough water, sleep well and exercise often. Your health is the foundation for everything else, so don’t neglect it. Finally, make the most of each day – the years will fly by.”

The single most important tip, however, according to Mr. Holland, is to do something you love.

“Find something that you’re passionate about,” he advised. “Pursue that, and work is not going to be work. It’s going to be something enjoyable; it’s going to be something that you are going to look forward to every single day.”

He continued, “I have met people who are making great money, but their lives are absolutely miserable. They have the house, they have the big family, they’ve got all the toys and the cars, but there is no life in them, and they are miserable. Money is not going to fulfill every part of your life. It’s not going to make you happy. So, find something you love, whether it is in college or trade school. Find something that you can do, something that you can pursue, something that you are willing to spend thirty to forty years doing, and make the most of it. I mean, no job is going to be perfect, but something you love—that’s going to be pretty good.”

“Seniors, I just wish you all the best,” Mr. Holland concluded. “And just remember, your teachers are here. We want the best for you, and as long as we’re alive, we’re always rooting for you and we’re on your side. So feel free to come back, ask questions, and get help. We’re here.”

Seniors, good luck in continuing your journey after high school!

“Every day is a chance to change and make things right, a chance to take action steps toward the person who you want to be and know you can become. Never underestimate your ability to keep the best pieces of you and to change anything that does not serve you or others.” - Ms. Ferry